Citizens protest near Varela residence
HUNDREDS of Panamanian marched on the Cinta Costera on Saturday June 10 and after some initial pushing and shoving with the Institutional Protection Service (SPI) moved to within bullhorn hailing distance of Miramar Towers, home of President Juan Carlos Varela.
They lined both sides of Avenida Balboa while their leaders stood on a pedestrian overpass blasting messages at the Towers protesting an executive decree (130) on updating information for home taxation which Varela had signed on Friday, and asking him to wake early on Monday to sign an order canceling decree 130 which would lead to increased property taxes. “We know you like to sleep late, but break the habit on Monday” quipped one speaker, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Dozens of SPI personnel stood by in front of the Towers. If Varela was at home he would have got the message.